Diet & Nutrition focuses on healthy eating habits, meal planning, and the benefits of various nutrients, providing tips for maintaining a balanced diet and improving overall health.

Parmesan, often called Parmigiano-Reggiano, is a firm Italian cheese notable for its distinct nutritional profile. Some view it as a functional food, suggesting its components might support health or lower disease risk (1). Its standout nutritional traits include a high protein and calcium content and relatively easy digestibility (2). Traditionally, this famous Italian cheese is produced using a method that goes back about a millennium, giving it its signature taste…

You can include high-fat cheeses like cheddar in a ketogenic eating plan. Cheddar, Gouda, goat cheese, and blue cheese are among the top choices. Cheeses to limit or avoid on keto include cottage cheese and low-fat or heavily processed options. The ketogenic diet emphasizes very low carbohydrate intake and a higher proportion of calories from fat, often employed to support weight loss. Typically, carbs are restricted to under 50 grams…

American cheese is a processed cheese product created by combining multiple cheeses with additional ingredients. It delivers a notable amount of protein but is also relatively high in sodium and saturated fats. This cheese is commonly used in iconic American fare, like cheeseburgers and grilled cheese sandwiches. Even if you’ve sampled it before, you might be curious about what exactly American cheese is — and whether its sometimes poor reputation…

Heat styling, chemical processing, hair dye, and improper grooming can all cause hair to become dry, fragile, or damaged. In these cases, regular shampooing and conditioning may not be sufficient to bring your hair back to health. Adding a “pre-poo” step to your regimen could be the extra care your strands need. Pre-poo is short for “pre-shampoo.” It’s a treatment some people may not know about, yet it can significantly…

Horsetail is a traditional herbal remedy touted for various health-supporting properties. Possible claims include supporting the health of hair, skin, and nails, though robust scientific backing is limited. Field horsetail has enjoyed use as a medicinal plant since ancient Greek and Roman times (1, 2). Historically, it has been applied for treating wounds, supporting skin, hair, and bone integrity, and addressing a range of other ailments (1, 3). Nonetheless, human…

Burdock root is a vegetable abundant in antioxidants and frequently used as a natural treatment for certain skin ailments. It is offered as a tea, whole root, powder, or extract and can be added to various dishes. (img by GoodRx) Scientists have identified many possible applications and health advantages for burdock root. These effects may be substantial enough to consider burdock root as a complementary approach for particular conditions. What…

Collinsonia root, sometimes called stone root or knob root, comes from a perennial herb native to eastern North America. It’s promoted as a herbal remedy for numerous conditions, including hemorrhoids, digestive complaints, and upper respiratory issues (1). Despite its role in traditional Native American healing, contemporary scientific data are limited. This article summarizes the available research on collinsonia root and examines its claimed health effects. What is collinsonia root? Collinsonia…

Have you spotted extra pockets of fat along the outer part of your thighs? Are your jeans feeling snugger than usual? You may be experiencing what’s commonly called saddlebags. (img by BetterMe) When body weight increases, fat can be stored in the thigh area. This pattern is especially common in women, who often accumulate fat around the hips, buttocks, and thighs. While gaining fat can happen fairly easily, losing it…

Carrier oils, such as coconut oil and jojoba oil, are used to thin essential oils so they can be applied safely. They also frequently provide moisturizing benefits for the skin. (img by Young Living) What are carrier oils? Both carrier oils and essential oils are plant-derived. Carrier oils dilute essential oils and “carry” them onto the skin, because undiluted essential oils are concentrated and can irritate when used directly. Most…

Honey and cinnamon are two natural substances that offer a range of health advantages. Some people assert that blending these two ingredients can treat nearly every ailment. While there is proof that each possesses certain medicinal properties, many of the claims about a honey-and-cinnamon mixture appear exaggerated. This article examines the benefits of honey and cinnamon and distinguishes evidence-based effects from myth. (img by Blue Diamond Almonds) Traditional ingredients with…